Pollution-hit Delhi awaits comic relief on weekend

TNN | Dec 14, 2017, 01.30 AM IST

NEW DELHI: The sight of people milling around dressed up as fictional characters down to the last detail may surprise those who have never picked up a comic book, but cosplay will be the flavour at NSIC Grounds in Okhla over the weekend. The annual pilgrimage for graphic novel enthusiasts, comic buffs and diehard gamers starts on Friday at the 7th Delhi Comic-Con and will keep thousands busy through to Sunday.Apart from launching the ‘Delhi edition’ of Archie comics, the event will see other attractions, including six experiential and gaming zones and exclusive merchandise. There are sessions with Dan Parent, the Archie comics artist, Ryan North who created the web series Dinosaur Comics, and Sonny Liew, multiple Eisner Award winning artist and writer of ‘The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye’.

“Each pass-holder will receive the exclusive Archie comic edition, which will become a collectible,” smiled Jatin Verma, founder of Comic-Con India.

Verma recalled how the pop-culture event has caught the imagination of Delhi’s people over the years. “We had 5,000 people showing up at the first tiny Delhi Comic-Con at Dilli Haat in 2011 when entry was free. Last year, more than 40,000 visitors came over three days and it was a ticketed show,” pointed out Verma.

The Comic-Con India head admitted that the Indian market was smaller compared with the western countries, but said the enthusiasm wasn’t any the lesser. Aside from the cosplayers, there will be those clamouring for an immersive experience with the Star Wars and Jumanji worlds, as well as the offerings of the 360o 3D, Black Panther, Transformers and AXN experiential zones.

Each day, a winner in the cosplay competition will get to take home Rs 50,000 and the opportunity for direct entry in the Indian cosplay championship. “From around 20 cosplayers in 2011, we had over 2,000 last year,” said Verma. For the hardcore comic book fans, the artists are the biggest attractions, he added. Besides, the comedy gigs and other merchandise on offer will make it pleasurable for any visitor.